Gardening with Gary

Gardening Advice from an Expert

Planting under Shade Trees

Member Donna writes~ I have a BIG problem! For years I have been trying to grow grass, plants, pretty much anything around our water oak trees in our yard. Nothing seems to work. I live in Alabama. I'd really love to get my "dream" yard. Can you give any advice on something new to try?

A. Water Oak [Spotted Oak, Possum Oak]...Quercus nigra [Beech family]

It is a dense shade tree, so growing much of anything under it is an ongoing problem. I suggest low-light needers, as Impatiens, wax begonia, pansies, violas, Johnny Jump Ups, ground cover as periwinkle/myrtle, pachysandra and ivy.

Try one of many successful hostas for summer lily flowers and large green and variegated foliage. Some daylilies are worth trying, and in the spring crocus and grape hyacinths. But, there are no easy, foolproof remedies, I am afraid!

http://forestry.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http://www.na.fs.fed.us/

spfo/pubs/silvics%5Fmanual/volume%5F2/quercus/nigra.htm

www.floridata.com/ref/Q/querc_n.cfm

www.nobleplants.com/classnotes/fall/fallprofiles/quercusnigra.htm

www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/pubs/silvics_manual/Volume_2/quercus/nigra.htm

www.streetside.com/plants/floridata/ref/q/querc_n.htm

web.utk.edu/~fwf/dendro/6desc.htm